Sleep apnea is a common condition that robs you of the rest your body needs to thrive. At Campustown Dental in Ames, Iowa, Rebecca Metzger, DDS, Scott McPherson, DDS, and Jason Brown, DDS, and two wonderful dental hygienists offer oral appliance therapy, a treatment that helps you breathe easier. When you’re ready to learn more, call or click to schedule a consultation.
A serious sleep disorder, sleep apnea is more common than you might think. For those who suffer from the condition, getting enough air throughout the night can cause numerous problems, some of which pose substantial health risks.
The most common type of sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax so much during sleep that they obstruct air from flowing in and out of your lungs.
Far less common, this type of sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not properly communicate with your body to facilitate normal breathing.
This condition involves a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Determining which type of sleep apnea causes your symptoms is the first step in charting a treatment path.
Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to seek treatment for sleep apnea. Some of the signs you might have this condition include:
Not surprisingly, your sleep partner may be the first one to notice that something is amiss. Sleep apnea causes you to make sounds throughout the night that often disrupt sleeping partners. Your loved one might also be suffering from sleep deprivation due to your condition.
For years, the primary treatment for sleep apnea was continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This approach relies on a powered device connected to tubing and a mask to deliver enough air to meet your needs.
Unfortunately, these systems are unwieldy and, for many, uncomfortable. It isn’t uncommon for people to become so frustrated with the system that they simply don’t use it, and their symptoms continue.
Thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, oral appliances are now a powerful treatment for sleep apnea. These devices fit over your upper and lower teeth while you sleep, creating a subtle change in the way you hold your lower jaw, and helping you breathe easier.
Dr. Metzger is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She brings an impressive body of training and experience to sleep apnea treatment.
If you’d like more information, booking a visit at Campustown Dental is as simple as a phone call or a few moments online.